Bernardo Márquez was born on the Barrio Pájaros Candelaria of Toa Baja. During his school years, he was an avid sports athlete, distinguishing himself in baseball, basketball, and volleyball.
Márquez worked as a college professor at the University of Puerto Rico and the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. He also worked as owner of the Selectos Supermarket, on the Barrio Candelaria Arenas.
In 2015, Márquez announced his intention to run for Mayor of Toa Baja challenging longtime incumbent Aníbal Vega Borges.[2] On June 5, 2016, Márquez defeated Vega Borges in what was classified by some newspapers as the "surprise of the primaries".[3][4]